Race Day Active Map

85th Annual Fire Fighters Ten Mile Road Race

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THUNDER BAY, ONTARIO May 11, 2018 (LSN) This Victoria Day, close to 1,000 runners will be participating in the 85th Annual Fire Fighters Ten Mile Road Race, a Thunder Bay tradition promoting active, healthy lifestyles and a community celebration for runners at all levels.

Today, race representatives, sponsors and members of the running community gathered for a media conference to help kick off the race, which will be taking place on Monday, May 21st.

“We are so thrilled to be announcing the 85th year of the race, which is the oldest 10-mile road race in Canada,” says Meghan Shanks, Race Director. “This premier sporting event wouldn’t be possible without the continued support of our community, volunteers, and our dedicated sponsors.”

“We are happy to be back as presenting sponsor of the race,” says Al Cranston of Fresh Air. “We have been strong supporters of the Ten Mile Road Race for many years and will continue to be the driving force of the running community. Our 10 mile training groups feed many runners to the race. It’s a win-win for both of us!”

Title sponsor, Thunder Bay Professional Fire Fighters Association, has been participating in the Ten Mile Road Race since 2004 as part of their ongoing commitment to their community, leading a healthy active lifestyle, and motivation to keep in shape for their demanding jobs.

“Mental and physical strength are key components that go into the making of a well-rounded and healthy fire fighter. You can train your body to face many different scenarios but sometimes it comes down to mind over matter,” says Darren Smallwood, Thunder Bay Professional Fire Fighters Association.

Race representatives also announced that all registration donations will support and help bring Mr. Bekintis and the students of Sandy Lake to Thunder Bay to participate in the race.

Each year Ralph Bekintis, a teacher at Sandy Lake First Nations, coaches, trains, mentors and runs with 60 students that compete for a spot on two teams. The community fundraises all year long to send as many students as possible to the race.

"The students are always training hard to participate in the Fire Fighters Ten Mile Road Race,” says Ralph Bekintis. “It is a challenge just to get them out to such a race because of the tremendous travel cost.”

Last year some of the students went on to compete in the Aboriginal Games in Toronto and received medals.

The scenic race route will take runners through a flat, out-and-back course along the west shore of Lake Superior. Cash prizes will be awarded to the Top 10 overall male and female finishers, with the first place male and first place female finishers each taking home $1,000 to commemorate our 85th year. All runners who complete the full 10 Mile individual race will receive a Finishers Medal with trophies being presented to the top 3 overall male and female finishers in each age category.

The last and final day to register for the race is Monday, May 14th at 11:59 p.m. The race begins Monday, May 21st at 9 a.m. For more information and for a list of road closures visit 10mileroadrace.org.